It's a wrap: An insider's look at the Toronto International Film Festival

By Ed Symkus/For The Patriot Ledger

Tuesday

Sep 18, 2018 at 2:35 PM

Another Toronto International Film Festival has come to a close, marking my 15th time attending the non-stop, sleep-depriving, fabulous event. Because of an already-packed work calendar, I was only able to be in the bustling Ontario capital for the first half of this year’s 11-day TIFF, but time was made to see plenty of new movies and snag all sorts of interviews with actors and filmmakers.

For those who suggest that I shouldn’t complain about watching movies and hanging out with “the beautiful people,” I say, “I’m not complaining; I love this part of the job.” But it IS a job, made up of long hours, frustration when screenings or interviews don’t start on time – resulting in me being late for whatever is next on my schedule – and utter exhaustion at the end of each day. Here’s a chronology of how TIFF 2018 worked out for me, along with a few words about what films to look for or avoid.

DAY ONE: Check-in to pick up press info, a walk around town to learn of any changes in the lay of the land, a drinking party hosted by the Toronto Film Critics Association. A relaxing intro to what would soon be madness.

DAY TWO: In line at 8:30 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. screening of “Wildlife,” a searing drama starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal, and directed by first-timer Paul Dano. Yes, you have to wait in line, even for critics screenings, and some are so packed, you might get turned away. In line at noon for “Carmine Street Guitars,” a cool little documentary about a custom guitar shop in Greenwich Village. A few hours of setting up shop in the Press Lounge, attempting to make appointments for interviews, trying to find free food. In line at 6 p.m. for “Black 47,” a grim but intriguing revenge drama about the effects of the Potato Famine in 19th century Ireland. A long and eventually successful search for some ice cream. Sleep.

DAY THREE: In line at 8 a.m. for a 9 a.m. screening of “The Predator.” Now, THAT’S the way to start your morning! In line at 11:15 for a screening of “The Front Runner,” the Jason Reitman film that stars Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart, who might have become president if he wasn’t caught dallying with a model named Donna Rice. A fascinating piece of history, well played by all. Press conference for “Outlaw King.” Found some free lunch! Got to a 3 p.m. private screening (no line involved) of “The Sisters Brothers” at the last moment. Great, offbeat Western starring John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix as guns-for-hire Eli and Charlie Sisters. In line at 6 p.m. for a screening of “Red Joan,” with Judi Dench as a retired scientist who, back in the WWII days, might have given some secrets about the bomb to the Russians, and must deal with criminal charges decades later. A run back to my hotel to write up a review of “The Predator.” Sleep.

DAY FOUR: In line at 8:30 a.m. for a screening of “Screwball,” a documentary about the New York Yankees, Alex Rodriguez, and the baseball doping scandal. Alas, I found out too late that I was standing in the wrong line for the wrong film (there are often nine or 10 lines at the same time at the huge movie complex), so missed it. Press conference for “The Sisters Brothers.” Subway trip across town for a private noon screening of “A Star Is Born.” Damn good movie, with Lady Gaga in the old Judy Garland role, and Bradley Cooper in James Mason’s. Yes, she can act, and yes, he can sing. Cooper also makes an impressive debut as director. Another subway, another free lunch. Press conference for “The Front Runner.” In line at 3:30 p.m. for a screening of my favorite of the fest: “Donnybrook,” a nasty little bare-knuckle fight contest film featuring not a soul who could be described as a good guy, and one fellow that could pass as the Devil. Starring Jamie Bell. Had to nap instead of going to a “Blue Ice” party that supposedly had the best gift bags. Went to a private 9:30 a.m. screening of “Life Itself.” Great stuff from the creator of “This Is Us.”

DAY FIVE: Interviews and brief chats in three different hotels scattered all over the city, reached by cab, by walking, and by subway. Press conference for “A Star Is Born.” Interviewed writer-director Dan Fogelman, said hi to Paul Dano and Carey Mulligan, interviewed writer-director David Lowery, bumped into and chatted with Jake Gyllenhaal. Bumped into and chatted with Patricia Clarkson, who said I should see her new film, “Out of Blue,” which was playing that night. Tracked down a ticket for a public screening of it at 9:45 a.m., made a stop at the Fox Searchlight party to say hello to a couple of publicist friends, got to “Out of Blue” and watched as it tumbled into incoherency. Went home to sleep.

DAY SIX: Overslept (Damn you, Patricia Clarkson!), and missed the 9 a.m. screening of the Quincy Jones documentary. Free lunch! Woo hoo!! In line at 1:30 p.m. for a screening of the creepy, sleazy, and pretty cool “In Fabric,” a horror film about a haunted dress. Press conference for “Colette.” A run to my hotel, a cab to the airport, and a two-hour wait for take-off because it was raining so hard. Used the downtime to book a hotel room for next year’s fest.